9 Secrets to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Kidneys work hard day in and day out to maintain general health and well-being. So, the steps taken to keep the kidneys healthy can help the overall health. Detoxification and acid/alkaline balance carried out by..!!

Kidneys are among the vital processes to achieve and maintain a good health. When these processes are not carried out properly, it could lead to some serious illness.

Every half-an-hour, kidneys filter all of the blood in the body, removing toxins from the blood, excreting them in urine and prevent organs from being damaged. They also regulate the acid-alkaline balance in the body and prevent it from becoming acidic.

Acid-Alkaline balance refers to the balance between the amount of acids and alkalis (non-acids) that are found in body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine. This ratio of acids to alkalis is determined by the measurement of pH levels. Balance in acid-alkaline ratio results in good health, while imbalanced ratio – either too acidic or too alkaline leads to illness. Hence, kidneys need to work efficiently to carry detoxification and acid-alkaline regulation.

To keep the kidneys functioning properly and healthy as possible throughout the life, there are a number of things to do. Here are some secrets which can help to make your kidneys work efficiently at every stage of life.

Stay Hydrated

It is always important to drink enough water to maintain the healthy fluid intake. Consumption of enough fluids helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body which in turn lowers the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. While sufficient fluid intake helps kidneys work efficiently, if it is overdone, the kidneys become overwhelmed. So, make sure to have the right level of fluid intake. An individual’s right level of fluid intake depends on many factors including gender, climate, exercise, pregnancy, health conditions, and breastfeeding.

Control your Blood Sugar Level

Diabetes leads to kidney damage. So it is really important to control blood sugar levels and diabetic patients should get regular screening tests to check kidney functions. Regular screening tests help to detect early kidney damage if any.

Monitor Blood Pressure

It is well-known that high blood pressure leads to a stroke or heart attack. But very few know that it is also the most common cause of kidney damage. High blood pressure can cause kidney damage, especially when associated with other factors like Cardio -Vascular Diseases, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Limit over-the Counter Medications

It is very common to use nonprescription pills without getting a doctor’s consultation. But this habit can cause kidney damage if taken on a regular basis over a prolonged period. While occasional use to relieve pain doesn’t pose a risk. People who take pain relievers regularly should get kidney function tests and find alternative ways to control pain.

Say yes to Exercise

Being physically active can stave off the high blood pressure and weight gain which can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. But it is important to watch how much exercise should be done, especially based on one’s condition. Over exerting when one is not capable can put a strain on the kidneys. While too much exercise can cause excessive breakdown of muscle tissue.

Limit Salt Intake

The recommended sodium intake is 5-6 gms of salt per day. But having a lot of processed and outside food makes exceed the recommended level of salt intake. High sodium intake strains kidneys as they work efficiently to remove excess sodium in the body. Having homemade food and making a habit of avoiding salty foods can control the amount of salt intake.

Quit Smoking

Smoking slows down the blood flow to the kidneys. When the amount of blood that reaches the kidneys is reduced than normal, its functioning gets affected. Also, smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer.

Include Probiotics & kidney Supportive Foods

It is popular that one should maintain a healthy diet for overall health. Taking probiotics help kidneys process waste materials and improves digestive health. Also, to keep kidneys healthy at every stage of life one should include foods that help kidney functioning effectively in their diet. Watermelon, cranberries, olive oil, onions, apples, cabbage, cauliflower, strawberries, blueberries, peppers, and garlic are the foods which are known to improve the kidney functions.

Lower the Phosphorus Intake

Phosphorus is found most of the foods, especially in carbonated soft drinks and processed foods. One needs 800 mg to 1,200 mg of phosphorus each day. But, if consumed in excess amounts, it can be flushed out by healthy kidneys. When kidneys don’t work well, the excess phosphorus gets accumulated in the body that leads to potentially serious conditions such as bone and heart diseases.

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